While this does leave me worried for the mental health of the sector of fans that are, for some reason or another, made more comfortable by always have a goaltender to shun, I can't help but enjoy every second of Keith Kinkaid proving that the stretch run of his season wasn't solely the product of having some undiagnosed horseshoe up his ass. Of course, with each passing overseas save and/or shutout, his trade value will go disproportionally up in the eyes of those that are approximately one month removed from treating Cory Schneider as the antichrist, but I couldn't possibly feel any better about the Devils rostering two goaltenders that look to be heading into their respective offseasons at the top of their games. Other than his accolade-worthy performance against Canada, he hasn't exactly been facing world beaters while beating the world, but it's tough to argue with perfection between the pipes. I don't know whether an offer that is impossible to refuse ultimately lures Keith Kinkaid out of New Jersey or not, though I have my doubts given the league-wide devaluing of netminders. I do, however, know that the type of player who makes the most of his opportunities is one that serves as quite the insurance policy in net. As this tournament has rolled on, the co-pay on that insurance policy has looked like just as much of a bargain as it did when it was being heavily leaned on en route to the playoffs, and that should only reinforce the belief that there's no clock that's getting ready to strike midnight on Keith Kinkaid's capabilities. UPDATE: Take your trade proposals and shove 'em...
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Two weeks ago, the only reason to remain cautiously optimistic about Will Butcher's ability to noticeably improve in the offseason was that, as a 23-year old rookie, he was already further along in his development than most first year prospects. Two weeks later, and I'm already testing the direction of the wind with a little bit of caution. I haven't even watched every minute of Team USA, but throughout the little that I have watched? The shot that he prioritized improving hasn't only been on full display, but appears as though it's undergone some seasoning with how much of a kick it's had. The kid simply has "it", and "it" is only becoming more well rounded by being given a top-4 role and time on the penalty kill. Getting a little international acclaim should do wonders for his confidence, and there is more room for confidence on the Devils' blue line than I'd like to admit.
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